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Discover the best excursions and activities across the island — from ferry tickets and fast transfers to Lobos Island from Corralejo to relaxing catamaran cruises, dolphin watching trips, dune buggy adventures, and jet ski safaris. Explore Corralejo, Caleta de Fuste, and Morro Jable, and book your experience online today.
Fuerteventura: The Wild Soul of the Canary Islands
Golden dunes, turquoise seas, and the whisper of Atlantic winds — Fuerteventura is where the raw essence of the Canary Islands comes alive. Often described as the most untamed of the archipelago, it’s a land shaped by volcanoes, legends, and a deep connection to nature that endures through centuries.
Geography and Origins
Fuerteventura lies just 100 km off the coast of Africa, the closest of the Canary Islands to the Sahara. Its landscape is stark yet captivating — volcanic ridges, vast plains, and endless beaches that stretch for kilometres. The island is divided into two historical kingdoms: Maxorata in the north and Jandía (Herbania) in the south, separated by the isthmus of La Pared. Traces of this ancient division still echo through local folklore and archaeological remains scattered across the island.
A Glimpse of History
Long before European ships reached its shores, Fuerteventura was already home to the Maho or Majoreros, a pastoral people believed to have arrived from North Africa. Archaeological evidence and linguistic traces link them to Berber origins, suggesting they crossed the Atlantic currents or were brought by early navigators from nearby African coasts around 1000 BC. They lived in small stone villages, raised goats, and cultivated simple crops, adapting to the island’s dry landscape with remarkable skill and resilience.
The Majoreros divided the island into two ancient kingdoms — Maxorata in the north and Jandía (Herbania) in the south — separated by the narrow isthmus of La Pared. Each was ruled by a tribal king, known as a guanarteme, and the people followed traditions rooted in survival, respect for nature, and community.
The arrival of Europeans in the early 15th century forever changed the island’s history. In 1402, the Norman nobleman Jean de Béthencourt, accompanied by Gadifer de La Salle, launched the first expedition to the Canary Islands under the authority of the King of Castile. They landed first on Lanzarote and soon after set their sights on Fuerteventura.
After several campaigns and alliances with local leaders, Béthencourt completed the conquest of Fuerteventura in 1405, founding Betancuria, the island’s first European settlement and its historical capital. Nestled in a sheltered valley to protect it from pirate attacks, Betancuria became the center of political and religious life, housing one of the earliest churches in the Canary Islands — the Church of Santa María de Betancuria.
Under Béthencourt’s rule, Fuerteventura became a strategic base for trade and colonization, attracting settlers from France, Spain, and Portugal. Despite hardships — including pirate raids, droughts, and isolation — the island developed a unique identity that blended European influences with the heritage of its indigenous people.
Over the centuries, Fuerteventura’s reputation grew not for wealth or power, but for its endurance. Its people, landscapes, and traditions have survived conquest, wind, and time — giving the island its quiet strength and unmistakable soul.
Weather: Sunshine All Year Round
Fuerteventura enjoys one of the most stable climates in the world, with average temperatures between 25°C and 30°C from late June through January. Even in winter, the island feels like eternal spring, making it a year-round destination for beach lovers and outdoor activities.
Despite its name, it’s not always windy — the strongest breezes usually appear between late February and April, when trade winds pick up briefly before calming again. Rain is rare, mostly limited to a few days between November and February. Most days are clear, warm, and perfect for exploring the island’s beaches or taking a catamaran out on the Atlantic.
From time to time, the island experiences a natural phenomenon known as the Calima — a warm, dry wind that blows from the Sahara Desert in Africa. Carried across the Atlantic by high-pressure air currents, it brings fine desert dust that creates a soft golden haze over the landscape and raises temperatures slightly for a few days. This same Saharan dust is part of what shaped the island’s geography over millennia: the Dunas de Corralejo Natural Park, for instance, was formed in part by sand carried from Africa by the Calima and the trade winds, blending with marine sediments to create Fuerteventura’s iconic golden dunes.
Main Tourist Areas
Corralejo — The northern hub of Fuerteventura, Corralejo blends charm and adventure. From here, visitors can gaze across the strait to Lobos Island, a protected natural reserve offering hiking trails, crystal-clear lagoons, and peaceful beaches. Corralejo is also home to the famous Dunas de Corralejo Natural Park, a spectacular sea of sand dunes leading straight to the ocean.
Caleta de Fuste — Located near the airport, this family-friendly resort offers calm waters, modern hotels, golf courses, and an easygoing atmosphere — perfect for travelers seeking comfort and accessibility.
Costa Calma and Morro Jable — The southern coast of Fuerteventura is where serenity meets luxury. Costa Calma’s beaches are ideal for windsurfing and relaxation, while Morro Jable serves as the gateway to Cofete Beach, one of Europe’s most remote and breathtaking shores.
Hidden Legends: Cofete, Villa Winter, and the American Star
Few places capture the island’s mystique like Cofete, where wild mountains tumble into an endless beach. Overlooking this untamed coastline stands Villa Winter, an isolated mansion shrouded in mystery and speculation — some say it once harbored secret wartime activities. Offshore, the remains of the American Star shipwreck rest half-buried in sand, a haunting reminder of nature’s power and the sea’s eternal claim.
Where to Stay
Fuerteventura offers accommodations for every taste — from boutique hotels in Corralejo to seaside resorts in Caleta de Fuste and Morro Jable. Many properties feature direct beach access, ocean-view pools, and spa facilities, making it easy to combine adventure with relaxation.
Corralejo – This lively northern resort offers a mix of comfort and style close to the dunes and harbour. Popular options include H10 Ocean Dreams, H10 Ocean Dunas, Alua Suites Fuerteventura, Barceló Corralejo Sands, and the elegant Secrets Bahía Real Resort & Spa, known for its beachfront setting and panoramic views of Lobos Island.
Caleta de Fuste – Conveniently located near the airport and perfect for families, Caleta de Fuste offers calm beaches and well-equipped resorts. Top choices include Barceló Fuerteventura Mar, Barceló Fuerteventura Castillo, and Elba Carlota Beach & Convention Resort, all featuring spacious pools and easy beach access.
Morro Jable (Jandía) – In the sunny south, Morro Jable combines relaxation with sophistication. Notable hotels include Iberostar Selection Fuerteventura Palace, Occidental Jandía Playa, XQ El Palacete, and Robinson Club Jandía Playa, offering exceptional service, oceanfront terraces, and proximity to the port for dolphin and sailing excursions.
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What to Do in Fuerteventura
From Corralejo
Lobos Island Excursion – A must-see natural paradise with hiking trails and turquoise lagoons.
Catamaran Cruises – Sail along the northern coast or towards Lobos Island for a day of sun and sea.
Dolphin Watching – Observe playful dolphins and sometimes even whales in their natural habitat.
Dune Buggy Tours – Explore volcanic trails and the desert landscapes surrounding Corralejo.
From Morro Jable (South)
Jeep Safari to Cofete & Villa Winter – Discover Fuerteventura’s wildest side and its most iconic legends.
Dolphin Watching Trips – Set out on small boats or catamarans for an unforgettable encounter with marine life.
Catamaran & Sailing Tours – Enjoy the sun-soaked coast of Jandía, perfect for couples and families alike.
Catamaran Excursions
Enjoy a relaxing cruise complete with a delicious meal and refreshing drinks served on board. Snorkeling & paddle board included.
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Dolphin & Whale Watching
Spot dolphins in their natural habitat and enjoy stunning ocean views—an unforgettable experience for all ages.
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Dune Buggy Safary
Discover the wild side of Fuerteventura on a dune buggy safari through the island’s most scenic and rugged terrain.
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Lanzarote Tours from Corralejo
Lanzarote offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences, making it an ideal destination for exploration.
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Jet Ski Safari Corralejo
Book the best Jet Ski Safari in Fuerteventura! Experience a jet-ski ride from Corralejo to Lobos Island — enjoy coastal views, crystal water, and the protected landscapes of Lobos.
Book NowThe Essence of Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura is not a place to rush through — it’s a destination to feel. Between its golden silence, desert winds, and ocean horizons, the island invites visitors to slow down and reconnect with something elemental. Whether you’re exploring Lobos Island, driving across volcanic trails, or simply watching the sunset over Cofete, you’ll understand why Fuerteventura remains one of the most captivating islands in the Atlantic.
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Disclosure
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